Become A Virginia Master Naturalist

Are you ready for exciting and intensive learning about Virginia's natural resources and sciences? Become a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist

The process for becoming a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. You will begin as a Master Naturalist Trainee by participating in a 40-hour basic training course. The Pocahontas Chapter conducts training for a limited number of new members beginning in January.

Basic training includes classroom presentations and field trips that cover a wide range of topics related to natural resources, including plants, animals, insects, fish and more. You will get a firm understanding of natural sciences in the context of Virginia’s ecological systems. You will acquire strong, foundational knowledge through advanced training and experience, then extend that knowledge to the community through volunteer service. For more details, you can review the basic training guidelines and objectives established by the VMN program.

Trainees are encouraged to participate in continuing education and volunteer service activities during the basic training course.

Once training is completed, you become a Virginia Master Naturalist Chapter Member. Members achieve certification by completing and recording eight (8) hours of continuing education in addition to the basic training course and forty (40) hours of volunteer service in projects that suit their interest and schedule.

To maintain your status as a Certified Master Naturalist, you must complete eight (8) hours of continuing education and forty (40) hours of volunteer service annually. All participation in volunteer service and continuing education must be recorded in the Volunteer Management System in order to count toward certification or re-certification.

Now accepting applicationsfor the 2020 Class.

Applicants must complete an Enrollment Agreement and an Applicant Questionnaire. Additional information and instructions for submitting applications are provided in our Course Information sheet. Click on the links below to access these forms: